REINSTATEMENT: PAM Sabah Chapter committee pose in front of the War Memorial. From left to right: Eddie Tann, Ar. Yong Ming Cheong, Ar. Arnold Kwan, Ar. Ezekiel Lee, Ar. Victor Wong, Ar. Jebb Liew, Ar. Noreen Ooi, Carole Lai and Bibie Sekil.
KOTA KINABALU: Historical architectural landmarks merit to the city such as the War Memorial should be returned to their original locations, said Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Sabah Chapter chairman Ar. Victor Wong.
“It is high time for us to acknowledge the importance of restoring our city landmarks. By doing so we are reinstating our local history for the young and older generations,” said Wong in a statement yesterday.
The association’s chairman was referring to the War Memorial, a sandstone obelisk that was unveiled on 8th May 1923 at Gaya Street in memory of those who perished during World War One.
A survivor of the WWII bombings that devastated Jesselton (now known as Kota Kinabalu city), this once prominent monument had over many years, been shifted from one location to another following the urbanisation of the city.
Between the late 1960s to early 1970s, the monument was relocated to its current location at City Park in front of the Kota Kinabalu City Hall.
PAM Sabah Chapter is urging for the monument to be brought back to its original spot on Gaya Street in a small open area facing BB Café and Party Play Lifestyle Café – at the intersection of the former Dunlop Street and Main Street along what is now known as Gaya Street.
“A lot of confusion over our local history and places stems from the fact that monuments such as these were moved from one place to another. While it may have been a well-intended action back in the 1970s, removing the monument from Gaya Street was an oversight because its current location is not historically accurate,” said Wong, stating that many local architects, Sabah history enthusiasts, students and even civil servants were misinformed about the planning of early Jesselton town due to the fact that the monument was moved.
“We hope that the state government will consider returning the monument to its original place,” said Wong.
“It would be a meaningful and significant gesture to the community of Gaya Street, especially for the elder folks who lived in early Jesselton and their efforts that contributed towards the rebirth of this British colonial township towards becoming the thriving city of Kota Kinabalu today”.
The township of Jesselton was established in 1899 and was renamed as Kota Kinabalu on Sept 30, 1968. The War Memorial is 90 years old.